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DEVELOPMENT OF CAMS CONTROLS FOR A HEAVY DUTY CARGO BOOM--PHASE II

As a step in the development of a heavy load cargo boom, a prototype elbow joint has been built and evaluated under dynamic load conditions. Two bilateral control systems - single valve and force repeater--were evaluated on the prototype. The successful operation of this prototype has demonstrated that CAMS control can be used in handling loads in the 10,000 lb. range. This load required an order of magnitude increase in torque over the largest existing systems. Machines having the force feedback and spatial correspondence of the CAMS control require a minimum amount of operator skill and training. Thus the booms with CAMS control offer great potential in areas where personnel turnover is high or high dexterity is required. (Author)